A Weekend of Slay

Posted on by thickemscloset

Heyyyyy ladies! So I know I have been ghost, but during my disappearance I have had the time an opportunity to emerge myself in self in some super dope events specifically for Plus Size women! So though this post wont be lengthy, take the time to go through some of the pics and videos and immerse yourself in all the slayage (you wont regret it)!

 

A Broken Masterpiece

By: Kenyatta Johnson

11/5/2016

Burlington, NC

Photo Credits: His Will Photography

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T.O.P. Hair and Fashion Competition

Featured: Juicy Body Goddess Models/Material Girl Hair

1st Place Competition Winners

By: Summer Lucille

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Peace.

Ife Michelle

 

 

In The Face of Adversity

Posted on by thickemscloset

Hey y’all! It is a beautiful Tuesday here in Charlotte, so what better way to enjoy the day than to indulge in this fall weather and write to you guys; today’s topic: being confident in the face of adversity….

So, this post was inspired by a few instances in my personal life as well as Lane Bryant’s newest body positive campaign…

As a plus/curvy/fat/BBW woman, there are already societal limitation placed on us: we aren’t supposed to be pretty, dress well, be able to have active talents and skills (the list goes on and on) and when we have the attributes and display them unapologetically, there is always a high level of disrespectful backlash…

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For instance, since the start of Lane Bryant’s “I’m No Angel” Body Positive Campaign, several major networks have refused to air the commercial.

For another instance, I can get sent home for wearing the same outfit as another employee at my job because my curves are considered a “distraction”.

We can go on forever about all the injustices, but the fact of the matter is they happen. The more important perspective is how do we to respond? How do you take adversity and turn it into power?

Well, for starters, it is understanding that even though the world may view you as the “underdog” you are still powerful, even if you don’t always feel it. Singer, India Arie has a quote in one of her songs that states “…I’m gonna take of all my clothes, look at myself in the mirror, we’re gonna have a conversation, we’re gonna heal the disconnection…my body is beautiful and sacred and I’m gonna celebrate it”. Power, light, is radiated from the inside out. Show naysayers that you are not limited by standards. Be vulnerable with yourself so that you can acknowledge your insecurities and then work to fall in love with you. Grow to become so comfortable with yourself, that even something as simple as the way you walk exudes nothing but confidence.

In addition, there has to be a high level of resilience. When people feel the norms they believe in are threatened, they attack. Hard and heavily. Being able to bounce back from negativity with poise and persistence, whilst keeping a high level of confidence is key. People only have as much power over you as you allow them to have. Take your power back, you are a divine woman…no mistakes here!

Lastly, it is imperitive that you support and defend those who are in the same boat as you. It can be hard feeling like you are dealing with “insecurities” alone, but knowing you have people in your corner makes finding your shine so much easier. You see someone attacking a plus women on social media, comment something supportive. Share that video of that plus women dancing or modeling. Prove that while there are always people against, that there are also so many that are for. We are a community, the voices of many will always ring louder and longer than the voice of one.

To end this post, I am going to post Lane Bryant’s newest ad, “This Body Is Made to Shine”. In this ad, key figures from the plus community respond to real posts and comments made about them. Take a moment to check it out (click the title link), I guarantee you will smile, and who knows… you might even be inspired to create your own clapback!

This Body Is Made to Shine

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Peace. Ife Michelle.

 

5 Ways to Transition Your Summer Closet for Fall!

Posted on by thickemscloset

Hey y’all! I know it’s been a minute but I had to switch gears for a minute and get the business side of Thickems Closet together (Lots of good stuff coming sooon!)! However, it is fall, my favorite season, so I put together a lookbook video of 5 (of course, dope) ways to transition your summer closet into early fall; just click the link where it says view on Flipagram below! I hope you guys enjoy!

Continue to Slay (as always),

Ife Michelle

View on Flipagram5 Ways to Transistion Your Summer Closet for Fall!

5 Dope Ways to Wear Sweaters for Fall

Posted on by thickemscloset

Hey y’all! I am writing to you guys from the coziest place on earth…. MY BED! lol. After two long ass weeks, it’s nice to be settled (even if just for a moment) and able to write to you guys. So, this post is all about my favoriteeeeee piece of fall appeal: SWEATERS!

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Though many may see sweaters as a “basic” item, if finessed properly a dope sweater can elevate your outfit/look while simultaneously keeping you warm and cozy during the change of season; so without further ado, I give you…. 5 dope ways to wear sweaters for the fall!

1. The Preppy Look

The best thing about outfitting for the fall is the ability to layer. Sweaters are a great layering piece because they can add some texture and dimension to your outfit, taking it from “Ehh” to “Damn!” The preppy look is created by taking a collard shirt and layering a sweater on top. Simple right?! Pair with some lightly distressed jeans for a casual look or a midi skirt for a more classic look.

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2. The Oversized Look

Sometimes as plus size women, we shy away from clothes that make us look bigger than we really are; however, the oversized sweater is not one of the pieces to shy away from! The oversized look is really fun, playful and carefree: perfect to show off your street style. It allows for a lot of focus on cool accessories, like statement necklaces, and always looks amazing with a nice pump!

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3. The Cut-Off Look

If sultry/flirty looks are more your thing, don’t think just because a sweater has bulk it cannot bring the funk! Cut-off sweaters have that tease effect where you show just enough to hook ’em. This look is very versatile: try a cut-off shoulder with a fitted pant and heels for those after six moves!

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4. The Cropped Look

JUst because summer is ending, doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your beloved cropped tops. Cropped sweaters are a perfect replacement for your summer crop tops…maybe even better because you get to play with layering and the contrast of loose and fitted looks. Add a cropped sweater with a body con dress and booties for a girly look, high-waisted jeans and sneakers for an edgier feel or with culottes/flared skirt for a chic vintage vibe!

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5. The Sweater Dress Look

Lastly, for those of you who refuse to play it safe, the boxy cut of sweaters coupled with the cool designs and prints (or sometimes the sheer simplicity) makes sweaters great for the edgy sweater dress look! Not the typical oddly fitted sweater dress, but getting a sweater a few sizes too big and wearing it as a dress. With some knee (or thigh) high boots, you can create the perfect edgy look certain to turn heads!

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Peace. Ife Michelle.

Not So 20/20 Vision

Posted on by thickemscloset

Good morning you guys! It is 10:12 am and I am writing to you all from my porch in the midst of a pre-hurricane storm; this is my favorite weather, so I am at complete peace. With that being said, today’s topic is not one about fashion or confidence or anything that is exclusive to being a plus size woman-it is one that has come from a place of peace, reevaluation, frustration and the inevitable calm after the storm…

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind for me: 4Thirty-Two went viral, we performed and slayed at Charlotte’s first plus size fashion show: Rock the Curves.  I was chosen to walk for several designers in this show in addition to being able to make some great connections with models and designers for future endeavours; however, in the midst of all of this (plus work, bills, adulting, family, etc.), I began to realize that everything I thought I had figured out in my “life plan” had began to go hazy: my 20/20 vision had been blurred. Now granted, nothing in life is definite and it is often the times that we have things planned out to a “T” that they seem to go array, but still the feelings of doubt, anxiety and fear that comes with watching your plans take continuous detours, can be suffocating.

It is in these moments I find myself growing the most. The discomfort of being trapped forces you to push your  boundaries (different parts of your life) reevaluate, and figure out the best way to move forward (increase!) For me the discomfort is my job. I like what I do, but I don’t like the environment, the hours, the pay, or working for other people. The added discomfort is having a vision of starting my own business but not being able to see it come to fruition for one reason or another. This feeling of discomfort sparked a need to push my boundaries so I could “breathe”. I reevaluated all the aspects of my life, trying to decipher the common thread and pay attention to how all my circumstances could indeed come together to help elevate me. Well, meeting the designers and models at the show (that I auditioned for at random) can serve as essential parts to the development of my business since they are the niche’ I have been trying to find. The information I learn from my job can be used to fine tune my business, working for others (especially when they are not your favorite people) is teaching me to work diligently with different kinds of people and value what they bring to the table. Combined with other life lessons learned through adulting, I have been able to take the negative and make it positive.

Whew!

Now, is it easy…. hell no. Yet, it is possible. For me, for you!

I say all this to say, even when you feel you 20/20 vision is blurred, all the pieces are already coming together. Just take a step back, connect the dots and watch how everything comes back into focus!

Peace. Ife Michelle.

P.S. Here are some photos from Charlotte’s own Rock The Curves Fashion Show!

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10 Must Haves for Your Fall ’16 Closet

Posted on by thickemscloset

Hey all! I am writing to you over a breakfast of fish and grits and probably the best cup of coffee I have ever made; sitting on my balcony watching the wind blow, it is apparent that fall is almost upon us! I wish y’all could see my face, I LOVE FALL: the pretty reds, yellows, and oranges in the trees, family, holidays, but most importantly the clothes! As a fashion fanatic, fall apparel is literally the best time of year: its not too hot to the point you don’t want to wear anything, but it’s not cold enough that your outfits are more about “being warm than being cute”. The layers, the deep rich colors and patterns- I’m getting hype just think about all the possibilities to slay! So in order to help you do the same, I am going to kick off the pre-fall season with 10 Must Haves for Your Fall ’16 Closet:

Leggo!

10. Body Suits

 

A personal fave of mine, body suits are fun, flirty, sexy and most importantly VERSATILE! They come in a variety of cuts and styles: deep “V” neck, mesh insert, mock neck, and they can be dressed down with jeans or a simple skirt or dressed up with a wide leg pant and blazer!

9. Vintage Floral

We all know nothing is new, especially in fashion. Vintage floral is a cool way to mix the old with the new and create a funky/corky vibe. Paired with neutrals, vintage floral (since it is very large print and uniquely colored) can add the perfect amount of sass to an outfit! Pair with a nice lip color and some bomb accessories and you are ready to go!

8.Chokers

Since I brought up accessories, I can’t forget about the ever so popular choker. Chokers are a must because they are simple and add the perfect amount of bad ass to any outfit. They are edgy and with the variety of styles and colors you never have to overthink what accessory to wear with you outfit. Just throw on a choker and you are on your way!

7. Statement Tees

Every now and then we all need a chill day, but that dosen’t mean we have to sacrifice fashion for it. Statement tees are cute and simple with corky (or corny) saying, images, or designs that serve as the pop of your outfit; since it is a tee you can put it on with pretty much anything- a midi, bodycon dress, jeans- and still slay the day away!

6. Extra Long Dusters

Fall weather brings a slight chill, but not enough for your heavy winter coat. Extra long dusters are the perfect median; since they are lighter and usually come in basic colors, they make a great addition to your outfit to combat the weather without overpowering what you already have on. They are also great because they come mid calf or ankle length giving you coverage and adding dimension to your outfit if you want to wear shorts or a mini skirt!

5. Midi dresses/skirts

Another favorite of mine, midi dresses/skirts come mid-calf and are fitted giving you coverage for the weather but also showing off all those glorious curves!They can come in bacis colors or printed and they are great for layering! The simplicity of the design allows for it to be dressed up or dressed down: you can literally never go wrong!

4. Jumpers/Catsuits

I’m all for a bomb ass one piece! Jumpers and catsuits are great because you can wear them alone or you can mix them with mock necks, tutrlenecks, and button downs to get the perfect “girl next door” look. The short “a-line” appeal of jumpers allows for you to highlight cool footwear/socks/tights, while catsuits show of your curves and are amazing with a nice pump!

3. Printed Booties

It’s fall so of course we are all wear some type of booties, but instead of the basic black or brown go for something a little more edgy and fun! Printed booties are great because they can serve as the highlight of an outfit for days when you are just not feeling it or want a more minimalist look.

2. Tights/ Socks

No, not your everyday stockings or “No-Nonsense” socks. I’m talking about shredded tights, lace, patterned, knees-highs and thigh-highs! Sometimes the little things make the most difference!

1. Bomber Jackets

Somewhat like a varsity jacket, a dope bomber jacket can create a sexy, sporty look that can add detail and dimension to your outfit. You can get them satin or even embroidered with floral detail for a more feminine look or if your are really edgy and like contrasting looks, pair a basic bomber with a dress or skirt!

Alright ladies, there you have it! Your Top 10 Fall ’16 Must Haves! You already know a lookbook is coming soon so if you aren’t sure how to pair some of the items, no worries, I got you! Happy Shopping!

Peace. Ife Michelle.

 

Fat and Fearless, Pt. 2

Posted on by thickemscloset

Heyyy y’all! Ok, this post is going to be brief but I have to share because I am on such a high…

**Backstory time**

So, you guys already know how I feel about being you, unapologetically. I live by this mantra, thus leading me to audition for a local plus-size dance group here in Charlotte called “4Thirty-Two”. This is a new company and as an artist, there is always some skepticism whenever you go out and share your art and energy with others. Prior to the audition, our fearless leader, Charity Holloway, held a plus-size community dance class that was amazing! Great turn out, well organized, choreography was fun, so I was already sold on what Charity was bringing to the “Body Positive” movement. Fast-forward a week or so and I find myself at an audition to be a part of Charlotte’s first ever Plus-Size dance company. The audition was just as great as the class and a few days later I was an official dancer for the company…

**Present Day**

On August 9, 2016, 4Thirty-Two premiers our first video “Look But Don’t Touch”. Within a day it goes viral (we became a meme and all)! Imagine the feeling that I and the other 23 amazing women in this company felt seeing what our being fearless has done. Charity brought together women who all have doubts, uncertainties, and inhibitions and together we fearlessly stood against the status quo; we, with our heads high, told the world that we loved who we were, we were not ashamed of our bodies, and we would no longer hide who we were. We were loud, we were colorful (literally), we were unapologetic!

The message here is simple.

Being fearless in the midst of doubt allows for you to be a catalyst for change. Being your own “yes” in a sea of “no” gives you the power to stand as a pillar of hope for those still trying to find their way. Because 25 woman said I will be fearless and I will do what I have been told is impossible, thousands of other woman have been drawn to the light, touched it and decided they wanted to release the light in them as well.

Check us out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wr22BGJdxo&feature=youtu.be

We are 4Thirty-Two.

Peace. Ife Michelle.

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“Fat” and Fearless

Posted on by thickemscloset

Hey y’all! Ok, so I know it has been a while since I last wrote, but life has been crazyyyy (in a good way) and I am just now getting a second to process and decompress. With that being said, I want to get a few housekeeping things out of the way:

  • I will be posting every Tuesday. Every. Single. Tuesday. That way y’all know when to look for new posts.
  • Secondly, FALL IS UPON US (my favorite season) so that means = Fall Lookbooks!
  • Lastly, my website is in the works! (excitement) Lots of lookbooks, how-to’s, features, and shops to come, so spread the word!

Whew! Ok, now that all the business is out of the way, it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty, the dirty-dirty; today’s topic: “Fat” and Fearless!)

This post was inspired after I participated in my first photoshoot and videoshoot this past weekend. It was an amazing experience; however, up until the moment I saw the first print there was doubt and whatif’s. I was so afraid my pictures wouldn’t look good or my body would look terrible or I’d look sloppy dancing on camera-even though I’ve been dancing for years. I had so many fearful thoughts wracking my brain, I became anxious and debated if this was even for me. Yet, in the midst of doubts and anxiety I was fearless and completed an amazing shoot with other amazing women who felt the same, knew the importance of being “fat” and fearless, and not letting whether others would receive what we were doing stop our flow!

So what does it mean to genuinely be fearless? Often times we confuse the idea or fearlessness with being completely without fear when the reality is fear is inevitable. However, you become fearless when you understand that fear exists, yet you don’t let it stop you or become the reason why you don’t accomplish all you desire to. As plus size women, this is often the sad reality of why we don’t pursue many of the things we desire; we set limitations on what we can do, who we can date, what we can wear, how we must carry ourselves, simply because we fear the backlash of “living while fat”.

Think about it:

How many times did you think that guy/girl across the room couldn’t be looking at you?

How many times did you reach for that fitted dress and say “no maybe next time” but next time never came?

How many times did you want to cut your hair a certain way or dye it a certain color but you didn’t want to bring too much attention to yourself?

The constant internal battle of wanting to be fat and fabulous by your standards as opposed to others standards is real and until you can develop a spirit of fearlessness, your standards will always fall short.

So how do you become fearless? Well, it isn’t hard. Decide what makes you happy and DO THAT SHIT! Unapologetically! If you want lime green hair and a cheetah print fitted dress because you believe you are a fashion mogul, then do it! If you want to run errands with a crop top on your 250+lb body, do it! If you want to be a plus size stripper:

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then SERVE, the only one really stopping you is you! Be proud of all that you are. Strive to be all that you can be. Live, because tomorrow is never promised. Have fear but never let it dull your sparkle!

Be fat! Be fearless! Be fabulous!

And as always, Slay!IMG_1034

Peace. Ife Michelle.

Bringing Sexy Back

Posted on by thickemscloset

Hey all! I am writing to you from my favorite hookah bar (mid-day turn-up, lol)! Today’s post was inspired by my three-day shopping excursion to find the perfect outfit for a “black and white” party I attended this past weekend (and of course I had to slay). As I was driving all over God’s creation trying to find that “perfect’ outfit, it dawned on me that I was doing a hell of a lot of searching to make sure that I found an outfit I felt sexy in. Now, while finding that outfit that has that “wow factor” is a struggle that all women go through, as a plus size women there is a lot more pressure:

“Does it fit well?”

“Does it hide this pouch, but highlight my butt?”

“Do my boobs look good?”

“Do I look fat…”

“Is this too much for me to be wearing?”

“Am I too big for this…”

There are a million anxieties when shopping, but as plus size women it is anxiety and pressure. No one expects us to be able to be sexy, let alone dress sexy. So how do we do it? How do we as plus size woman pull of sexy with the lack of options, support, and (if procrastinate like me) time…

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WELLLLLLLLL, to start (and I will never get tired of saying this), you must find some body confidence. I know this is not easy for all of us and indeed it is a process, but once you hone in on your confidence and loving the body you have, it is easier to start the shopping process; shopping is always better when you don’t have an ass of reasons why you shouldn’t buy something. Love that body (it isn’t going anywhere)!

Secondly, have an idea of what your sexy is; everyone is different. Maybe you like the classic sexy look, maybe you are a little more edgy and like a lot of skin. For me, its something black, fitted or semi-fitted, and I love to show cleavage, legs and back (not all at once, lol).  Knowing yourself and what you like makes the process move faster because you have an idea of what you need to look for. However…  if you find something and you love it, but it’s not necessarily “you” take a risk! If you’re going be sexy, COMMIT! You never know, you might enjoy it.

Next, know your  budget! How much are you really willing to spend on this outfit? Are you going to wear it once or can you wear the piece(s) often? This will narrow down where you go to shop, minimize the time you spend on the process, and optimize the experience.

Lastly, CONFIDENCE! The clothes you wear are only part of your sexy! Your attitude, your walk, the way you hold your head high like you’re untouchable: these are the key things that take your outfit from “Oh, she looks nice.” to “Damn! She’s sexy”! Never be afraid to “pump through”!

Be you, do you, cause “damn girl, you sexy!”

Peace. Ife Michelle.

How to Shop “Standard Sizes”

Posted on by thickemscloset

Good evening y’all! I am writing to you from my favoriteeeeee Starbucks (shoutout to this free wifi, lol) with another plus size must-know “how to”.  So, I was recently speaking with a customer at work and she was pissed about the price variance between plus size items and standard size items: “Why the fuck do we have to pay almost $3 more for the same apparel basics, this shit is ridiculous!”

I couldn’t do anything but agree.

As a visual merchandiser, I consistently see (what I have so boldly named) apparel discrimination; plus size clothing pieces that are the exact same as standard size pieces costing significantly more. So how can a plus size girl  stay fly without a constant brutal attack on my wallet? Simple, I shop standard sizes!

Say whaaaaaaaa!?

That’s right! There are quite a few times I am able to fit my size 14/16 body into standard size apparel, using the following tips and tricks; grab your pen and paper and get ready for the lesson of a lifetime!

(SN: these tips will not work for every piece of clothing!)

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Fabrication:

A key part of getting into standard sizes (or even just fitting into that “one size smaller than you usually wear”) is the fabrication of the item. Simplest way to put it: some material is going to have more “give”/stretch than others. On top of that, the materials that do stretch will vary in the amount of stretch they have (optionsss). The more stretch a fabric has, the easier it is to to work with differing body sizes. Key fabrics to look for are: spandex, vinyl, velvet, “soft denim”, cotton and polyester.

Cut:

The cut of an item can also allow for it to be a little bigger, sometimes by up to a size and a half. “A-line” dresses and skirts, “boxy” tops, and pieces that are meant to be “grungy” all make for great, shoppable standard pieces. A-line cuts flare out creating space and also a short, flowy, flirty look. “Boxy” tops are tops that don’t have a definite shape to them, they are pretty much un-fitted with a square shape. This cut requires more fabric to make and more fabric = more space for you. “Grung” cuts are made to be baggy or oversized, so again more fabric = more space!

 

Belk (194×276)

A-line

 

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Boxy

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Oversized

Brand:

It is soooo important to know the brands at your favorite store and how they run. If you go to a store that serves plus and standard, chances are they have some pieces that are featured in the store and those brands may vary in size. Forever 21, one of my favorite stores, has a brand called Contemporary in their stores and the clothes in that brand can run up to a size larger than marked. If you aren’t sure about a brand ask a sales associate!

Altering/DIY

Last (and one of my favorite tricks) is altering or “DIY”ing an item. If an item doesn’t fit, there are ways to make it. Start by getting the largest available size and then with the help of YouTube, you can create some dope pieces!

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Alright you guys, that’s it for this time. Hope this helps you save a few bucks on your next shopping excursion!

Peace. Ife Michelle.